Nintendo has released new details about its upcoming Super Smash Bros. video games for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems. The 3DS version of the fighting game is planned for this summer, while the Wii U version is planned for winter.

Along with stereoscopic 3D that runs at 60 frames per second, the 3DS version will have an exclusive mode, “Smash Run,” in which four players have five minutes to enter a dungeon and explore the surroundings, fight enemies, and obtain power-ups. Once time is up, all four fighters enter a battle arena with their newly equipped items and power-ups. [Read more...]

Nintendo World in New York will host a Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launch event to celebrate the release of the two new games for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on October 11 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. These new installments in the famous Pokémon series will introduce a new generation of Pokémon, new Mega Evolutions, and a ton of new features.

At the event, fans will have the chance to play games, participate in activities, and be the first in the country to purchase the new games, which are also available on the new Nintendo 2DS system. Game sales will commence at midnight, but Nintendo World will remain open through the night. The event will also feature a Pokémon costume showcase, a live DJ, Pokémon trivia, a Pikachu costumed character appearance, and more. Attendees will also be able to participate in giveaways while supplies last.

New Products

Marvel’s Ant-Man is still going strong in theaters, and so is Disney Consumer Products’ (DCP) and Marvel‘s Ant-Man product collection. The lineup includes costumes, construction sets, action figures, and more from licensees such as Hasbro, LEGO, Funko, Hot Wheels, Rubie’s Costume Co., and Uncle Milton.

Skechers USA Inc. has partnered with Jakks Pacific Inc. to launch a new line of dolls based on Skechers’ popular Twinkle Toes character. The initial launch includes four unique dolls that stand 6.5 inches in height, and are dressed in colorful, fashion-forward outfits and light-up Skechers Twinkle Toes shoes.

LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. will release three new preschool toys—the Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set, which offer pretend play experiences that teach math and measurement, respectively—and the Word Whammer, a phonics game that prepares children for kindergarten in an active way.

Now available from VTech, Flipsies combine traditional role play with collectible dolls and accessories, as well as VTech’s proprietary MagicPoint interactive technology. The line offers a variety of ways to play and has eight introductory themes that encourage girls to be anything they want to be, whether it’s a doctor, a marine biologist, a teacher, [...]

Merchantwise, ITV Studios Global Entertainment’s appointed licensing agency in Australia, has announced strong toy and DVD sales, as well as a host of new licensing and retail partners, for the TV series Thunderbirds Are Go in Australia.